Chapter 536: Chapter 536: Mom Has Righteous Values
Every time Madam Lu thought about Song Zhiqing and that woman surnamed Bai, she felt a stabbing pain in her heart, and thinking about her own son and daughter made her feel even more bitter.
Nanny Zhou comforted her, saying, "Itâs often said, the eldest son is always valued more than the other children. The master is also well-read in the Saintly Books, so how could he not understand this principle?"
Madam Lu mocked, "You are wrong. Some people understand, but others have their eyes covered by filth, seeing only the rotten and not the good. Are there not people who favor concubines over legitimate wives, or who value illegitimate children over legitimate ones?"
"Youâre overthinking it. The master wouldnât behave that way. Even if heâs blinded by that woman, the household wonât allow such absurdity!" Nanny Zhou reassured her, "Donât forget, the Prime Ministerâs Mansion is run by the main house, and thereâs still the imposing presence of the Old Madam! If the master wants success in his official career, he wouldnât dare go too far."
Madam Lu remained silent; she knew her husband was a man of many successes, but what if?
"The eldest son is the eldest sonâno one can change that fact. Besides, our Young Master is both the eldest and born of the primary wife, incomparable to those low-born concubinesâ children. You can see with your own eyesâthey get along like true brothers with the other young masters. Why is that? Itâs naturally because of their legitimate status."
No one claims that coming from a humble background in the Song Ministerâs Mansion means thereâs no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring. The legitimate play with legitimate; it is an inevitability.
"Itâs been just over a year since Young Master and Miss returned, and all the other young masters and misses in the house treat them like their own siblings. Even the haughty Second Miss, after being married for such a short time, still remembers to send gifts to our Young Master and Miss. Just watchâwill she send anything to that womanâs children?"
Madam Lu felt comforted by these words, indeed it was so.
Nanny Zhou took up a fan and gently shook it, continuing, "Madam, such feelings arenât built overnight. Even if that woman manages to captivate the master, so what? Could she win over the Madam and others, or the rightful young masters and misses of this mansion? Her children, how could they receive the same treatment as the young misses? She can only depend on the master, and without his support, see how she could possibly stir any trouble?"
"Parents will eventually grow old, and children will grow up. In the future, they will rely on the support of their siblings!"
Madam Lu, hearing Nanny Zhouâs well-reasoned argument, couldnât help but smile, "You old thing, when did you become such a smooth talker? Youâve left me speechless."
Nanny Zhou flattered her, "Itâs all thanks to Madamâs teaching."
"Go on."
"Actually, the masters in this mansion are all sharp. This old servant only learns from the side, just hoping Madam wonât be blinded by short-term gains, unable to see the broader picture." Nanny Zhou gave her pointed advice.
This nanny has very proper views!
"I understand."
"Sister-in-law, are you in?"
Outside, the voice of the Prime Ministerâs Wife rang.
Madam Lu quickly stood up and went to greet her, "Is it Sister-in-law? I am here."
Prime Ministerâs Wife entered, exchanged greetings with her, and said, "I suppose youâve heard, the third brother has received a post from the Ministry of Revenue and is to be transferred back to the capital."
Madam Lu bowed to her, expressing gratitude, "Itâs all thanks to Brother and Sister-in-lawâs blessing. Otherwise, who knows when our family could be reunited?"
Prime Ministerâs Wife enjoyed her flattery and humility, and after a few self-deprecating remarks, served tea, "The Prime Minister said that the appointment letter has been sent, and the transition is being handled. Calculating it, at the earliest in September, the third brother will return home. Iâve come to ask you, what are your thoughts on arranging for the third brotherâs concubine?"